A BROTHEL operating above a Red Cross charity shop was opened without consultation, Liverpool councillors say.

Cherry Girls Massage, exposed by the ECHO last week, has caused outrage in the community of Broadway, Norris Green.

Ward members for Clubmoor have united to condemn the sex den after learning it was on their doorstep.

They are unhappy that the application was not sent to the area committee meeting which is normal council procedure.

Cllr Ben Williams has vowed to quiz the Liverpool council planning department about the application for a "pri-vate sauna, aromatherapy and massage" room which was given permission to open in November.

He said: "I received an email about the application and enquired about it with a council officer. However, I did not get a reply and the next thing we discovered, it was soon open and operating under our noses."

The Cherry Girls parlour is in the middle of the busy Broadway shopping parade, with an entrance down a seedy

By LUKE TRAYNOR back alley. Some girls earn up to £600 a day and taxis pull up next to the charity shop in the small hours of the morning to pick up punters who are often drunk or on drugs.

Cllr Williams added: "We do not feel that such an establishment is appropriate for a busy family-orientated shopping area.

"What is of most concern is that the establishment was allowed to be opened without any form of consultation with local people or elected councillors.

"Prostitution has always existed but we question its operation in a busy shopping precinct."

A Liverpool council spokesman said councillors and residents were informed about the planning application in the normal manner.

He added: "Ward members get a list of applications in their area each week which they are able to comment on.

"We sent out 32 letters to residents in the Broadway and Broad Lane area and received no objections."